EWEB Closes Reservoir For Days Surrounding July 4

The Eugene Water and Electric Board will lock the gates to the College Hill Reservoir on Friday to protect the surface from firework damage. The reservoir is usually open to the public but EWEB began restricting access during the fourth of July. In 2010, 2011, and 2012 the facility sustained damages to the rubber surface during the holiday week.

Joe Harwood, a spokesman from EWEB says damage to the surface of the reservoir could result in contamination.

Harwood: “We’ve had to balance security of the water supply with access. And, we’ve put a million dollars into those improvements to prevent contamination. It’s a significant investment and we want to protect that.”

Harwood says damage repairs can cost up to several thousand dollars. The gates will open again on July seventh.